Chapter 30

I think I mentioned it before, but back on Earth, I was a reserve officer.

My branch was infantry. I came from ROTC, rose to the rank of captain, served as a company commander for a few years, and then discharged.

If you ask why I chose such a hardcore mode for my life… honestly, I have no words.

I still regret it sometimes. When I was young, I was so caught up in nationalistic fervor that I couldn’t think straight.

But let’s put that aside for now. The main point is something else.

Before I became an officer, during my university days, my major was history.

Specifically, military history was my specialty.

I studied when battles occurred, how military technology evolved, and why wars happened.

If I tell you my undergraduate thesis was on the Napoleonic Wars, does that give you an idea?

Maybe that’s why, after reincarnating, I adapted surprisingly quickly to this world’s tactics and weaponry.

“After all, I’ve seen all this in reports and assignments.”

The current level of weaponry and tactics used by the kingdom, the empire, and other nations on this continent is roughly equivalent to Earth’s late 17th century.

Machine guns haven’t appeared yet, and cold weapons like spears and swords are still widely used.

Knights are still active, and mages exist, so there are differences, but overall, it’s similar.

“Thanks to that, I could quickly see what needed improvement.”

Once I grasped the level, the next step was evaluation and improvement.

Having studied the history of war, I knew exactly how the Royal Army could progress.

It was as simple as following what was written in history books. It was like solving a problem with the answer key in hand.

However, putting it into practice was impossible. Why? Because I spent 10 years on the frontlines.

When you’re fighting for your life just to survive, there’s no time to waste on military research.

Even as a major, I had to carry a musket and charge into battle myself. How could I afford such luxuries?

And when I finally rose high enough in rank to think about it seriously?

This time, the organization’s rigidity held me back.

“The military is a conservative place. Whether in Korea or here.”

There’s no place as obsessed with tradition and maintaining the status quo as the military, except maybe for old scholars in Cheonghak-dong.

Introducing new technology recklessly could lead to disaster, so they always proceed with caution and repeated verification.

Even if I had the best ideas, if the higher-ups couldn’t understand them, it was pointless.

So, I only began seriously improving the Royal Army after the coup, when the Revolutionary Army became the central force.

“Someday, every army in the world will follow this organization. I’d bet my honor and position on it.”

“We still find it hard to believe… but since you say so, we’ll follow. You’ve never been wrong before.”

“At least the firepower will be reliable. We’ve got guns everywhere.”

Once I became the de facto ruler of the kingdom, there was nothing to stop me.

I introduced the tactics I wanted and secured the budget for new equipment.

I even equipped every soldier in the central army with expensive flintlock muskets.

After pouring in resources, I finally completed it last month: the line infantry, a military formation that wouldn’t appear until the 18th century on Earth.

“How large should the dispatch force be?”

“Not the entire army. Half should be enough.”

“Then I’ll prepare two divisions.”

The combination of the kingdom’s elite central army and the most advanced doctrine of this era.

I was confident. No army in the world could match them one-on-one now.

They’d need at least twice the numbers to stand a chance.

For a support force to be deployed in the harsh, supply-constrained north, there was no more efficient unit.

“When will we depart?”

“We’re short on time, so we need to hurry. Be ready to leave within ten days.”

“Ten days?! That’s too tight…”

“Our comrades are dying as we speak. We’ve always been prepared for immediate deployment anyway.”

“Well, that’s true.”

With the frontlines in peril, there was no time to waste. We packed what we needed and set off immediately.

At this pace, we’d arrive in 3-4 weeks.

“The forces staying here… Baden, I’m leaving them to you. Coordinate with General Albrecht to manage the capital.”

“Leave it to me, sir.”

Leaving our stronghold, the capital, was concerning, but I trusted my capable subordinates.

They’re all talented enough to reach the ranks of lieutenant general or general without my help.

Plus, we have civilian allies supporting us.

* * * * *

On the day of departure.

“Are you leaving already?”

“It’s more like ‘finally.’ If I could, I would’ve left the day I decided.”

At the gates of the royal capital, Rahator, I bid farewell to Lady Arshah.

It was just past dawn.

“Or are you sad to see me go, my lady?”

“Of course! Your presence is crucial to us.”

Shivering in the cold, draped in a shawl over her dress, the lady shook her head.

Her ample chest, wrapped in thin fabric, swayed temptingly. Wow.

Looking up at me on my horse, she declared,

“You’ve united republicans, the military, commoners, and clergy—groups that are polar opposites—into one force. You created this, and without you, it would collapse.”

She’s not wrong.

Building a coalition around the military, our core, and gradually integrating various groups was indeed my achievement.

At first, it was just to survive after the coup, but before I knew it, we’d become a powerful political faction.

Now, we’re not the minority but the majority.

“I wish you wouldn’t go. If you get hit by a bullet on the battlefield, it’s all over.”

“You know that’s not possible.”

“That’s why I’m only saying it. Even a mere lady like me understands the impact this will have on your honor and the kingdom.”

Sighing, she grabbed my hand and pleaded,

“So, I beg you. Please come back alive. Don’t ruin all the reforms you’ve achieved by dying needlessly.”

I patted her shoulder to reassure her.

“Don’t worry, my lady. I have no intention of dying before holding my great-grandchildren.”

I know better than anyone the repercussions my death would bring at this point.

Even though we’ve gained political dominance over the nobles and royals, we’re still a new force.

Internal fractures are everywhere, and unity is a distant dream.

The moment General Karolus von Roytel’s death is confirmed, the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction will collapse, and the Revolutionary Army will lose its center.

The republicans who secured their place in parliament thanks to me would be crushed by the nobles’ wrath.

Even the priests who became bishops or cardinals thanks to us would lose their heads.

If I die now, our enemies will seize the chance to counterattack and avenge their humiliation. Constitutional monarchy will remain a distant dream.

So, I won’t die.

I can’t die.

Not if I want to prevent everything from going to waste.

“My lady, please manage the parliament well. So I can head north with peace of mind.”

In turn, the lady staying in the capital must fulfill her role.

Pushing forward the reforms we’ve planned in my absence.

“…I’ll do my best. So much so that you’ll be amazed when you return.”

“I look forward to it.”

As the lady nodded and left, my adjutant muttered behind me,

“Lady Arshah seems quite interested in you, sir. A young lady meeting a man alone.”

“Indeed.”

If this were high society, a scandal wouldn’t be surprising.

But it’s not just political, is it?

* * * * *

Anyway.

Finally, the central army set off at the fastest sustainable pace toward the north.

Along the way, we replenished supplies and gunpowder, advancing 25 kilometers a day for weeks.

Crossing mountains, rivers, and snowfields, we finally saw our destination.

“Sir, there’s our garrison ahead.”

“Which unit is it? Our Revolutionary Army?”

“Likely Lieutenant General Mauer’s 2nd Division.”

After sending a messenger to announce our arrival and setting up camp nearby, I finally met my long-separated comrades.

“It’s been a while, Lieutenant General—no, General. Should I call you ‘sir’ now?”

“…Mauer.”

He looked terrible.

The fatigue of constant battle and lack of rest was evident on his face.

Dark circles under his eyes, a gaunt jaw—it was clear how much he’d suffered.

“You’ve endured a lot. Leave the rest to me and get some rest.”

“Thank you. I haven’t slept much these past few days.”

Supporting my staggering subordinate, we entered the command tent and immediately began the strategy meeting.